An East Point family is living through an ongoing crisis and pleading with authorities and the community for answers, nearly a month after their son vanished without a trace following a visit to a local Target store.

According to official information from the East Point Police Department, the missing individual has been identified as 20-year-old Derek Samuel. Investigative data indicates he was last seen on April 29 at the Target department store located on Marketplace Boulevard. From the moment he walked out of the establishment, the young man completely severed all contact with the outside world.

The family stated that on the day of the incident, Derek was driven to the shopping center by a group of friends. A subsequent review of the facility’s security systems yielded critical initial clues. Surveillance footage captured the moment Derek Samuel left the Target store and walked toward Commerce Drive before disappearing entirely from the camera views.

Notably, while expanding the search perimeter for evidence, investigators discovered Derek’s personal cell phone. The device was left behind in a wooded area situated directly behind the Marketplace Boulevard shopping center. Despite locating this vital personal item belonging to the victim, police forces have not yet formally identified or publicly disclosed any suspects in connection with this mysterious disappearance.

The sudden disappearance of Derek Samuel has dealt a massive shock and a heavy emotional toll to his loved ones, particularly his siblings and his twin sister. In an emotional interview, Nishae Samuel—Derek’s mother—tearfully described her son as a cheerful, outgoing young man who always sought to bring laughter to those around him. “He’s goofy. He’s always smiling, he’s always happy,” the mother shared. “I’ve never really seen my kid sad for real, you know, or upset.” Prior to going missing, Derek harbored big dreams of launching his own clothing line, alongside his hobbies of gaming and spending time with his friends.

Amid the storm of this crisis, Nishae Samuel also issued an urgent plea to the social media community. She requested that the public stop spreading misinformation or baseless speculation on online platforms, noting that such rumors severely disrupt the progress of the investigation and deeply affect the family’s psychological well-being. Instead, the family hopes that anyone with credible tips will contact investigators directly. “I just want them to understand that we do need our privacy at this point in time,” Ms. Samuel stated. “If they do have any information pertaining to my son, just contact East Point Police.”

Currently, local authorities and law enforcement are actively intensifying their search efforts. A reward of $15,000 has been officially established for any individual who provides verified information that directly assists investigators in locating Derek Samuel.